Conley was first diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2009 and underwent a double mastectomy, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 31 rounds of radiation. She had breast implant surgery, only to lose one implant after the rays burned a hole in it. She was briefly declared cancer-free, but the disease recurred in her bones and doctors said it was incurable.

Since then, she has dedicated her life to spreading a message that beauty is defined by confidence, love and kindness and can't be erased by illness. She has shared this message in a viral video, and then through speaking engagements and television appearances. And she has given to others through a charity she founded called Jill's Wish, which provides financial help for families struggling with cancer.

As Conley waited at Louisville Stoneware for Thursday's parade to start, she wasn't shy about walking up to other VIPs --including actor Josh Hopkins from Cougar Town and country music artist J.D. Shelburne -- about Jill's Wish. She also came to the parade with new stickers to hand out saying, "You are beautiful."

"I'm so excited," Conley said. "This is so awesome."

"It is an honor to be part of Derby," Bart added. "This is the place to be in the country right now."